DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE

    Preamble

Established in 1992, the Department of Horticulture is the only full fledged Department of Horticulture in Higher Education Institutions in the country to date.  It was established to train both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the production, improvement and handling of fruits, vegetables and ornamentals in addition to landscape design and management.

 

The establishment of the Department is in the recognition of the significant role horticultural crops play in agricultural and economic growth in Nigeria.  Horticulture is a wide field, running parallel with agriculture.  Postgraduate training in Horticulture did not however begin until 1993/94 session. 

 

10.2.2    Vision

The Department of Horticulture aspires to be a Centre of Excellence in Horticultural Art and Science among the Higher Educational Institutions in the West African sub-region; the cynosure of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta and the first choice of applicants seeking professional training in Horticulture at the Postgraduate level.  The Department aspires to be the most sought after in public-private partnerships through optimizing the potentials of the diverse spheres of Horticulture in the West African sub-region (food and nutritional security, health and recreation, mitigation of climate change and environmental beautification).

 

10.2.3    Mission

Working in partnership with other stakeholders, the Department of Horticulture will increase employability of its graduates by imparting knowledge and cutting-edge market-driven skills.

 

10.2.4    Philosophy

Horticulture can make significant contributions to national development and accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). To optimize this potential and enhance its competitiveness globally, the Department reiteratively reconfigures its training curriculum to effectively respond to emerging demands of the market and industry. The Department is set to produce graduates who blend cutting-edge science with entrepreneurial skills to make them outstanding in service delivery. Our graduates shall be Employers and job-creators rather than job-seekers. Career opportunities in Horticulture shall include protected cultivation, handling and processing technology of Horticultural crops and extension aspects of Horticulture. 

 

10.2.5    Objective of the Programmes

Improve the public perception of horticulture as a profession to be desired.

Produce proficient graduates who are employable and able to create jobs in all specializations of Horticulture: Pomology (Fruit Science), Olericulture (Vegetable Science) and Ornamental Horticulture (floriculture) and landscape design and management. 

Generate demand-driven adoptable technologies that create more jobs, address farmers’ problems add value to horticultural produce and enhance the development of the horticultural industry.

Expand the frontiers of knowledge in cross-border applications of horticulture in food nutrition and health, climate change, sports and environmental beautification. 

Through ad hoc training locally and overseas, the Department of Horticulture is determined to improve the capacity of teaching and support staff to deliver the objectives above.

Besides, the postgraduate programmes in the Department is to provide an advanced training / knowledge in the areas of theories, practical and research, and in modern application of Horticulture to resource utilization and development in Nigeria in particular, and the whole world in general. 

The Department shall train the students against future challenges in the areas of all Horticultural Sciences. 

In addition, soft hard landscape Architecture is offered to students who are particularly interested in beautification of indoor and out-door environments.

 

10.2.6    Departmental Postgraduate Programmes

Three programmes are offered:

1)    Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture (PDH),

2)    Master of Agriculture (M. Agric. (Horticulture)),

3)    Ph.D (Horticulture). 

The complete curriculum for the Postgraduate Diploma takes two semesters or one full academic year, the Masters programme takes four semesters or two full academic years.  The Ph.D. programme takes a minimum of six semesters or three full academic years and four full academic years for full- and part-time students, respectively, with or without course work.  However, if the Master degree was obtained from FFUNAAB, or its equivalent elsewhere, minimum duration shall be four and six semesters for full- and part-time candidates, respectively.  Research thesis is required for the M. Agric. and Ph.D. programmes in addition to the required courses, for the M. Agric. programme.  For the Postgraduate Diploma programme, a project is required in addition to the specified courses to be taken by students.

 

10.2.7    Departmental Postgraduate Committee

Membership:

(i)      The Head of Department

(ii)    All Professors

(iii)   Supervisors of Postgraduate students

(iv)  Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator.

 

Functions:

(i)      Coordination of postgraduate students in the Department

(ii)    Supervision of postgraduate students’ projects

(iii)   Organization of postgraduate Departmental seminar as a pre-requisite to College Seminar.

 

10.2.8    General Admission Requirements

 

Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture (PDH):

The Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture programme focuses on people with a first degree in agriculture, botany, biology and related professionals in the field who wish to upgrade their knowledge in the special areas of Horticulture.  Admission is open to:

Candidates with a good grade at the University level in related fields.

Candidates with a third class in Horticulture or general Agriculture.

HND holders with Upper Credits in Agriculture or related fields.

 

Masters in Agriculture (M. Agric. Horticulture)

The Master Programme is open to candidates with a minimum of First Degree (with CGPA > 3.0) in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Botany and related fields from any University recognized by the Senate. 

Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) at Upper Credit level in General Agriculture, Crop Science, Botany and related fields with three years field experience may be considered. 

In special cases, candidates with a Second Class Upper Degree in Botany may be considered.  However such candidates may require additional time to audit required background courses. 

Holders of FUNAAB PGD with weighted average > 60%.

 

Doctor of Phylosophy (Ph.D.)

Holders of M. Agric. Degree of FFUNAAB (with weithed average score  > 60%) are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. programme in the Department of Horticulture provided such candidates have taken all prescribed courses, at the postgraduate levels, in the Department.

Holders of M. Agric. or M.Sc. (Horticulture / Crop Science / Agriculture / Agronomy / related fields) in Universities recognized by the Senate are eligible but, such candidates will have to take prescribed courses at M. Agric./Ph.D. level, before proceeding on full-fledged Ph.D. degree programme.

 

10.2.9    Admission Requirements

Besides the general admission requirements above, every candidates must possess five O/L credits including Mathematics and English Language at WASCE / SSCE / NECO or its equivalent recognized by the Senate.

 

10.2.10  Duration of Programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture (PDH): 2 semesters or1 full Academic year

M. Agric. (Horticulture): 4 semesters or 2 full Academic years

Ph.D. (Horticulture): A minimum of 6 semesters 3 full Academic years.

NOTE: The stipulated duration of programmes is applicable only to the full-time students.

The duration of programme for the part-time students may be extended.

 

10.2.11  Postgraduate Courses

Postgraduate Diploma In Horticulture

The programme shall comprise course work, field trips, projects and seminar presentations, as specified below:

Course Title                                                                                               Units

Course work                                                                                                      20

Field Trips and write up                                                                                3

Project Report                                                                                                 3

Seminars                                                                                                            2

Total Units (minimum) for the award of P.G. Diploma =    28 Units

 

First Semester (13 Units)

Course Code	Course Title	Abbreviation	Unit
College Core Course
PCP 701	Principle of Crop Production	PRINCRPP	4
Departmental Courses
HRT 701	Introduction to General Horticulture	INTROGHO	3
HRT 703	Greenhouse Use and Management	GRHUMATC	2
HRT 797	Seminar I	SEMINARI	1
HRT 799	Project	PROJECT	3

 

Second Semester (15 Units)

Course Code	Course Title	Abbreviation	Unit
College Core Course
PBS 702	Design and Statistical Analysis of Experimets	DSTAEXPT	3
Departmental Courses
HRT 702	Horticultural Crops Propagation	HOCRPROP	3
HRT 704	Advance Nursery Management	NURSEMGT	2
HRT 706	Elements of Landscaping/Floriculture	ELEMLANS	3
HRT 710	Field trips and report	FIELDREPT	3
HRT 798	Seminar II	SEMINAII	1

 

 

M. Agric. in Horticulture

Facilities and expertise exist in the Department of Horticulture for postgraduate course and research leading to the degree of Master of Agriculture in Horticulture.  A student is, however, free to incline to any of the following professional areas:

 

(i)      Postharvest Physiology and Produce handling

(ii)    Vegetable and Spice Crops Production

(iii)   Tropical Fruits and Industrial Tree Crops Production

(iv)  Ornamental Crops and Landscape Horticulture

 

Course Structure

Course Title                                                                                                                    Units

College courses (compulsory)                                                                                     10

Core courses                                                                                                                       23

Electives                                                                                                                                 3

Thesis Research                                                                                                                                     6

Seminars                                                                                                                                2

Total                                                                                                                                         44

 

First Year – First Semester (Total = 25 Units)

Course Code	Course Title	Abbreviation	Unit
College Courses
PBS 803	Biostatistics	BIOSSTAT	3
SOS 815	Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition	SOILFERT	3
CSC 801	Use of Computer in Research	USEOCOMP	4
Compulsory Departmental Core Courses
HRT 801	Postharvest Physiology and Produce Handling	POHAPHYS	3
HRT 803	Propagation Techniques in Horticulture	PROPTECH	3
HRT 805	Produce Handling Facilities and Structures	PROHAFAC	2
HRT 807	Advance Vegetable Production	VEGCRPRO	3
HRT 897	Seminar I	SEMINARI	1
HRT 899	Dissertation	DISSERTN	6
Elective
HRT 809	Introductory Biotechnology	INTROBIO	3

 

 

First Year – Second Semester (Total Units = 13)

Course Code	Course Title	Abbreviation	Unit
Compulsory Departmental Core Courses
HRT 802	Physiology of Harvested Horticultural Crops	PHYSIOHA	3
HRT 804	Control of Crop Growth and Development	CONTROPG	3
HRT 806	Advance Pomology	ADVDPOMO	3
HRT 808	Advance Horticulture	FLORCULT	3
HRT 898	Seminar II	SEMINAII	1

 

 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Horticulture

The candidate for Ph.D. Degree is required to meet the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta requirements for admission into postgraduate studies.  Candidates should hold good M. Agric. Degree in Horticulture of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta or its equivalent from any University recognised by Senate.  Holders of one year M.Sc. Degree with average course score of 60% and above may be considered on the condition that they shall register for M. Agric/Ph.D in the first instance, and then convert to full Ph.D. programme, on merit.

 

The Ph.D. Degree in Horticulture is basically by research.  However, there may be relevant course work, depending on the background of the candidate. In some cases, it may include courses in related basic sciences.

 

10.2.12  General Graduation Requirements

Candidates must satisfy all academic and research Examiners in order to possess the desired degree of this University.

 

(A)          Postgraduate Diploma

Candidates must pass the prescribed courses (28 units).  In addition, the candidates must complete his / her project and present Seminar 1 (pre-data) and Seminar 2 (post-data) at the Departmental level which must be assessed to be okay by the Department.  Candidates with weithed average score 60% and 70% (Bachelor Degree Holder and HND Holder, respectively) will be eligible for M. Agric. programme.

 

(B)          Master Programme

The candidates must satisfy Academic, Research and External Examiners before such a candidate can be awarded the M. Agric. of FFUNAAB.

Course Work: Candidates must pass courses (36 Units) as stipulated in 2.0 (2) above. 

Seminars: The candidates must complete the research component of the programme, must pass pre-data and post-data seminar presentations at the Departmental and College levels.

Research study and thesis presentation: Candidates must write up the research findings and present same to the committee of supervisors.  This must be assessed okay by the committee.

Open Thesis Defence:  A qualified External Examiner shall be appointed to examine the suitability of the candidate’s for M. Agric. Degree.    

 

(C)          Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

a)  Course Work: No course work is required for the FFUNAAB M. Agric (Horticulture)

     candidates with average score > 60% or its equivalence.  The M. Agric. / Ph.D.  

     candidates must pass all prescribed courses for conversion to the Ph.D. programme.

b)   Seminars:  The candidates must complete their research projects and pass their pre-

       data and post-data seminar presentations at the Departmental and College levels.

c)   Research Study and Thesis Presentation:  Candidate are required to write up their 

      research findings and present same to the Committee of Supervisors for assessment.       

      The thesis shall be presented for oral defence on the recommendation of the

      supervisory committee.

d)   Open Thesis Defence:  A qualified External Examiner shall be appointed to examine the suitability of the candidate’s for the award of a Ph.D. Degree.

 

10.2.13  Postgraduate Research Benchmark

Master Programme: 

There shall be 15 weeks in a semester: 13 weeks for lectures and 2 weeks for examinations. 

The credit units attached to every course stipulate the contact hours per week in a semester.

Students must make 75% class attendance to be eligible to write the semester examinations.

Besides semester examinations, continous assessment shall be given. This may include one or a combination or all of the following –

Practicals

Presentations

Class Tests

Essays

Term Papers

Tutorials

Quizzes

Other Academic Assignments

For every course the pass mark is 50%.

Students must make an average score > 60% in M. Agric. course work in order to be eligible for a Ph.D. Degree programme in the Department.

 

Doctorate Programme:

The student must present and pass the pre-data seminar at the Departmental and College levels before commencing his / her research plot.  All mordifcations / corrections made and agreed upon by the committee of supervisors must be observed.

Student must constantly update his / her supervisor on his / her research project through progress reports.

A post-data seminar shall be presented at both the Departmental and College levels at the end of the field work and certified by the Committee of Supervisors, before proceeding to registration of title of the thesis.

Students must satisfy the committee of supervisors.

An External Examiner must certify that the student’s research project is worthy of a Ph.D. Degree.

 

10.2.14  Course Synopsis

Synopsis For Post Graduate Diploma Courses

HRT 701: Introduction to General Horticulture (3 Units)

Scope of horticultural science; vegetable crops, fruit crop / industrial tree crop production; nutritional and value addition aspects; importance of nursery and greenhouse; environmental factors infuencing growth and sustained yield, cropping system for Horticultural crops, cultural practices for production; harvesting and post-harvesting handling of produce, career prospects in various branches of horticulture.

 

HRT 702: Horticultural Crop Propagation (3 Units)

Reproduction in plants (self-pollination (autogamy), cross-pollination (allogamy), adaptation to sexual or asexual method of propagation, natural and artificial methods of sexual and asexual propagation). Asexual and sexual methods of propagation, Seed treatments (for germination and dormancy-breaking). Pre-germination: rationale, structures / equipment and operations. Raising and handling of desired transplants, growth culture / media. Micro-propagation techniques.

 

HRT 703: Greenhouse use and Maintenance (2 Units)

Description, types and importance of green-houses to Horticultural crops (vegetables, fruits, spices, ornamentals etc). Siting architecture, infrastructure facilities, optimal environmental requirements, sanitation, general maintenance and performance evaluation.

 

HRT 704: Advanced Nursery Management practices (2 Units)

Definition and types of nursery, importance of nursery in Horticulture, site selection and preparation, propagation techniques, structures and facilities, environmental requirement of nurseries, cultural and maintenance practices and handling of transplants.  Record keeping.

 

HRT 706: Elements of Landscaping/  Floriculture (3 Units)

Introduction to landscape plan preparation, identification of tropical ornamental plants, culture of trees, shrubs and flowers.  Shade trees: annual, biennial and perennial shrubs and hedge plants, bedding and foundation plants, etc, planting and designs.

 

Synopsis for M. Agric. Courses

HRT 801: Post-Harvest Physiology and Harvesting technique (3 Units)

Economic importance of post harvest handling of Horticultural crops. Determinants of harvesting: climacteric and non-climacteric fruits, environmental considerations and cultural operations. Harvesting techniques, types and instruments: for fruits, vegetables, spices, bulbs and ornamentals.  Pre harvest environmental conditions on quality of produce.  Influence of field environment and production practices on harvest physical and chemical changes in Horticultural crop.

 

HRT 802: Processing, Storage and Physiology of Horticultural Produce (3 Units)

Basic metabolic processes associated with fruits, vegetables, spices, bulbs and ornamental crops.  Effects of environmental management and other supplementary treatments on the physiology and quality of Horticultural produce. Storage techniques. Importance of storing Horticultural produce. Importance of basic processing of Horticultural Produce. Basic processing techniques of Horticultural Produce (fruits, vegetables, spices and ornamentals) for immediate and distant markets, immediate consumption and storage. Seed processing for Horticultural crops – threshing, winnowing, grading, drying etc.

 

HRT 803: Propagation Techniques in Horticulture (3 Units)

General handling of propagation: Propagation techniques: sexual – autogamy, geitonogamy, endogamy, homogamy, cleistogamy and asexual – allogamy (unisexuality – monoecious, dioecious plants), self-sterility (dichogamy – protogyny, protandry), heterostyly (dimorphism, herkogamy). Propagation structures and facilities and techniques. Handling of transplants and maintenance practices on the field. 

 

HRT 804: Control of Crop Growth and Development (3 Units)

Growth and crop phenology, hormonal control of growth and yield sustenance as influenced by canopy management, mineral nutrition and water supply, yield improvement and rejuvenation of low producing crops.

 

HRT 805: Produce Handling Structures and Facilities (2 Units)

Importance of environmental control and quality maintenance in handling of harvested fruit-crops, vegetables and ornamental crops.  Produce handling structures.  Efficiency of various structures and facilities for handling horticultural produce.

 

HRT 806: Advanced Pomology (3 Units)

Importance of dessert fruit crops.  Types of crops. Production and maintenance of and yield sustenance in fruits crops; post harvest handling and processing and marketing of produce.  Emphasis is to be paid on the development of analytical approach to basic solving problems in the orchard.

 

HRT 807: Advanced Olericulture (3 Units)

Classification of vegetable crops: production systems; environmental management of field-grown crops, weeds, disease and pest management. Harvesting and marketing of produce.  Hydroponic vegetables.

 

HRT 808: Floriculture and Landscape Horticulture (3 Units)

Definition, propagation; environmental control of production; production structures and facilities; nursery and subsequent establishment; culturing and growth training of ornamentals; preservation of cut flowers.  Floral arrangements, design conception, bill of quantities, management and resoration of landscapes.

 

HRT 809: Introductory Biotechnology (3 Units)

Broad concept of Biotechnology. History of Biotechnology. Indigenous and Science-based Biotechnology. Application of Biotechnology in Horticulture – soil fertility management, genetic resource management, renewable energy, food preservation and processing. Biofertilizers – preparation and application, microbial fertilizers and N-fixing microbes. Use of biocides or biocontrol agents – Bio-insecticides, plant extracts, pheromones, bio-fungicides etc.  Application and mechanism of action of plant growth regulators.  Bioengineering technology and transgenic plants, consept of plant ideotypes in Horticulture, Genetically Mordified (GM) crops technology. Macro- and micro-propagation techniques. 

 

10.2.15  Postgraduate Lecturers

 

 

S/N	Name	Rank	Qualification	Area of Specialization
1	Aiyelaagbe,  I.O.O.	Professor & Head of Department	B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Cropping System/ Pomology
2	Olasantan, F.O.	Professor	B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan), PGDE (Ilorin)	Cropping Systems/Olericulture
3	Bodunde, J.G.	Professor	B.Sc. (Ibadan), M.Sc., Ph. D. (Zaria)	Environmental Physiology / Horticulture
4	Okelana, M.A.O.	Reader	B.Sc., Ph. D (Ibadan), C.Biol., M.Biol. (London)	Crop Physiology
5	Makinde, E.A.	Senior Lecturer	B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Olericulture / Cropping Systems
6	Olubode, O.O.	Senior lecturer	B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ibadan), Ph.D. (Abeokuta)	Cropping System/ Pomology
7	Salau, A.W.	Senior Lecturer	B.Agric., M.Agric., Ph.D. (Abeokuta)	Cropping System/ Olericulture
8	Hammed, L.A.	Lecturer I	B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph. D. (Ibadan)	Pomology/ Industrial Tree Crops
8	Olosunde, O.M.	Lecturer I	B.Agric., M.Agric. (Abeokuta)	Ornamental Horticulture
9	Joseph-Adekunle, T.T.	Lecturer II	B.Agric. (Abeokuta), M. Phil. (Ibadan)	Pomology